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VU LED Rhodes Piano Project

Hello all,
I have a Rhodes Stage Piano (see pic), a classic 1973 workhorse. Like a guitar, the output is driven by pick-ups, and is not amplified. I would like to attach an LED VU display like you'd find on a home stereo or casstte deck.
The output is controled by a potentiometer.
What I'd like to do is embed LED's in plexiglass, or some other material, and have them stretch across the back of the Rhodes. (See very crude example I dummied up).
The idea is that the LED's respond to the output of the piano, the loudest triggering the red LED's, which can be absoutely meaningless in real-world terms, just a visual. They also don't have to be those exact colors, but it would be nice.
Can I use the LED Kit, cut the leads, add more lights and run little wires to the rear, or should I start over? I have loads of 12 volt DC transformers I can use.
I also have some analog dial (needle) VU's that would be cool to add to each end, also.
The Rhodes is Mono, and I believe they sell a Mono kit, too.
This is the toy store.....nothing serious, just a thought.
I don't mind admitting that:
1. I'm a total noob
2. I am almost clueless when it comes to electronics, but I can use a soldering iron and follow directions.
All comments and suggestions welcome. I've already admitted to being not so bright so............
Thank you,
rhodesdude